Toilet Splash Guard

ABSTRACT

A toilet splash guard. The toilet splash guard includes a planar member having an aperture therethrough, wherein a sidewall extends away from a lower surface of the planar member. The sidewall can removably secure within an opening of a toilet bowl such that an outer surface of the sidewall rests flush against an inner surface of a rim of the toilet bowl. The lower surface further rests flush against an upper surface of the rim, such that the toilet splash guard rests upon the rim.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.62/654,648 filed on Apr. 9, 2018. The above identified patentapplication is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety toprovide continuity of disclosure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a toilet splash guard. Moreparticularly the present invention relates to a toilet splash guardconfigured to fit over the rim of a toilet bowl, wherein the splashguard further includes a sidewall configured to secure within a toiletbowl opening.

Dirt, grime, and other various unsanitary buildup frequently accumulatesin the vicinity of the toilet. This is often caused by splashing in thebowl of the toilet, wherein the splashing water exits the toilet bowland lands on the floor around the toilet. Additionally, splashes mayland on the rim of the toilet and gradually drip down an exteriorsurface of the toilet. This results in unsanitary conditions that mustbe frequently cleaned. Cleaning this buildup is often time-consuming,frustrating, and disgusting.

Over the years, many have attempted to manage the need to clean about atoilet area. Typically, these solutions require bath mats that areplaced around the toilet, wherein the bath mat comprises a rubber lowersurface, such that any spills, splashes, and drips fall onto the bathmat instead of the surrounding floor. However, these bath mats alsoaccumulate unsanitary grime, dirt, and urine therein. Additionally, asmost bath mats include a soft upper surface, the bath mats areabsorbent, leading to discomfort and disgust for users as they often areforced to stand on damp bath mats while using the toilet. Other sanitarytoilet cleaning solutions are limited to reducing the frequency ofmanually cleaning the bowl of a toilet. These include cleaning agentdispensers, slowly dissolving cakes of cleaning agents, and the like.These solutions, however, fail to provide an apparatus capable ofreducing the frequency of cleaning an exterior of a toilet and thesurrounding area.

In light of the devices disclosed in the known art, it is submitted thatthe present invention substantially diverges in design elements from theknown art and consequently it is clear that there is a need in the artfor an improvement to existing toilet splash guards. In this regard, theinstant invention substantially fulfills these needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types oftoilet splash guards now present in the known art, the present inventionprovides a toilet splash guard wherein the same can be utilized forproviding convenience for the user when protecting the exterior of atoilet bowl from unsightly damage and minimizing the frequency ofcleaning the exterior of the toilet bowl.

The present system comprises a planar member having an aperturetherethrough, wherein a sidewall extends perpendicularly away from alower surface of the planar member about the aperture. The lower surfaceis configured to rest flush against an upper surface of a rim of atoilet bowl and the sidewall is configured to removably secure within anopening of the toilet bowl. An outer surface of the sidewall isconfigured to rest flush against an inner surface of the rim when thesidewall is secured therein, such that the splash guard is securedwithin the toilet via friction fit. In some embodiments, an outerperimeter of the planar member is aligned with an outer perimeter of therim when the sidewall is secured within the opening. In anotherembodiment, a diameter of the aperture is less than a diameter of thesidewall, such that a lip extends radially inwardly from the aperture.In other embodiments, a rear side of the planar member is linear. In yetanother embodiment, the rear side is configured to rest flush against atoilet tank when the sidewall is secured within the opening. In someembodiments, the lower surface comprises a coefficient of frictiongreater than one. In another embodiment, a pair of notches are disposedwithin a rear side of the planar member, each of the pair of notchesconfigured to receive a toilet seat fastener therein. In otherembodiments, an outer sidewall extends perpendicularly away from thelower surface along an outer perimeter of the planar member such that achannel is formed between the sidewall and the outer sidewall, thechannel configured to receive the rim therein. In yet anotherembodiment, an upper surface of the planar member is configured to restflush against a lower surface of a toilet seat when the toilet seat isin a lowered position. In some embodiments, the splash guard furthercomprises a break-away section disposed opposite a rear side of theplanar member, wherein the break-away section is configured to beremoved from the planar member to provide gap therein. In otherembodiments, the break-away section is defined by lines of perforationthrough the planar member and the sidewall.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Although the characteristic features of this invention will beparticularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and mannerin which it may be made and used may be better understood after a reviewof the following description, taken in connection with the accompanyingdrawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout.

FIG. 1A shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the toilet splashguard.

FIG. 1B shows a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of thetoilet splash guard.

FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of thetoilet splash guard being secured to a toilet rim.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the toilet splashguard removably secured to a toilet.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like referencenumerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similarelements of the toilet splash guard. The figures are intended forrepresentative purposes only and should not be considered to be limitingin any respect.

Referring now to FIGS. 1A and 1B, there are shown perspective views ofvarious embodiments of the toilet splash guard. The toilet splash guard11 comprises a planar member 12 having an aperture 13 therethrough,wherein the planar member 11 is dimensioned to match a toilet bowl. Inthe illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1A, the planar member 12 comprises arounded shape, however in alternate embodiments such as shown in FIG.1B, the planar member 12 comprises an elongated shape, such that theplanar member 12 is configured to conform to various styles of toiletbowl. The planar member 12 is configured to overlay a rim (shown in FIG.2, 17) of the toilet bowl, such that any splashing within the toiletbowl is contained therein or alternatively strikes the toilet splashguard 11. In this way, the user can easily remove the toilet splashguard 11 from the toilet bowl, such that the user can easily clean thetoilet splash guard 11 instead of the toilet bowl, thereby avoidingbending kneeling, or otherwise uncomfortable positions to clean anexterior of the toilet. In some embodiments, a perimeter of the planarmember 12 is configured to rest flush with an outer perimeter of thetoilet bowl, such that the toilet splash guard 11 is more readilycamouflaged when secured to a toilet. Additionally as the planar member12 does not protrude from the rim of the toilet bowl, the user cancomfortably use a toilet without the planar member 12 pressing into theuser's legs.

The toilet splash guard 11 further comprises a sidewall 14 extendingperpendicularly away from a lower surface 15 of the planar member 12about the aperture 13. The sidewall 14 is configured to removably securewithin an opening of a toilet bowl, such as, in some embodiments, viafriction fit. In this way, the toilet splash guard 11 is secured to thetoilet when in use, thereby preventing movement of the toilet splashguard 11. The sidewall 14 is further configured to abut an interiorsurface (shown in FIG. 2, 20) of the rim of the toilet, such thatsplashing within the toilet bowl strikes the sidewall 14 rather than therim, thereby preserving the cleanliness of the toilet. In someembodiments, the sidewall 14 is configured to extend along an entirelength of the rim, thereby protecting the entirety thereof from marringdue to splashes. In the illustrated embodiments, a diameter of theaperture 13 is less than a diameter of the sidewall 14, such that a lip23 extends radially inwards relative to the aperture 13.

In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1B, the toilet splash guard 11further comprises a pair of notches 26 within a rear side 24 of theplanar member 12, wherein the pair of notches 26 are configured toreceive fittings of a toilet seat therein. In this way, the pair ofnotches 26 allow the toilet splash guard 11 to more securely affix tothe toilet, as the pair of notches 26 are configured to prevent lateralmovement of the toilet splash guard 11 during use. In some embodiments,the rear side 24 is linear such that the rear side is configured to restflush against a toilet tank such that the toilet splash guard 11 isanchored thereagainst, thereby allowing the toilet splash guard 11 toremain in a desired position during use.

In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1B, the toilet splash guard 11further comprises a break-away section 31 disposed opposite the rearside 24, wherein the break-away section 31 is configured to be removedfrom the toilet splash guard 11. In this way, a gap is formed in theplanar member 12 and the sidewall 14, such that the toilet splash guard11 conforms to the shape of typical commercial toilet seats. In theillustrated embodiment, the break-away section is defined by lines ofperforation 32 on opposing sides thereof, wherein the lines ofperforation 32 are configured to allow the break-away section 31 tocleanly and easily be removed from the toilet splash guard 11. In someembodiments, the lines of perforations 32 are curved, such that roundededges are formed, thereby preventing sharp and potentially painfulportions being created in the planar member 12. The break-away section31 further allows a user to selectively determine whether the toiletsplash guard 11 should be used with typical residential toilet seats, byleaving the break-away section 31 within the toilet splash guard 11 orremoving the break-away section 31 to conform to traditional commercialtoilet seats. This additionally reduces manufacturing costs, allowing asingular mold and manufacturing process, as the toilet splash guard 11can be altered for various types of toilet seats.

Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown a cross-sectional view of analternate embodiment of the toilet splash guard being secured to atoilet rim. The toilet splash guard 11 is configured to removably secureto the rim 17 of a toilet bowl, such that the lower surface 15 restsflush against an upper surface 16 of the rim 17. In this way, the toiletsplash guard 11 can rest between a toilet seat and the rim 17 duringuse, without significantly affecting the height of the toilet seatduring use. In the illustrated embodiment, an exterior surface 19 of thesidewall 14 is further configured to rest flush against an interiorsurface 20 of the rim 17. In this way, the sidewall 14 can removablysecure within an opening 18 of the toilet bowl via friction fit, therebyensuring the toilet splash guard 11 remains stationary during use.

As described above, the lip 23 reduces the size of the aperture 13relative to the opening 18 of the toilet bowl, such that the lip 23 isconfigured to intercept splashes occurring within the toilet bowl aboutthe periphery thereof. As such, the lip 23 is configured to preventsplashing from the interior of the toilet bowl from exiting therefromsuch that the surrounding area, including the rim of the toilet, isprotected from additional dirt, grime, and unsanitary build up.Furthermore, these periphery splashes are generally responsible forcontaminated toilet water impacting the rim of the toilet, whichfrequently then drips down an external surface of the toilet.

In the illustrated embodiment the toilet splash guard 11 furthercomprises an outer sidewall 28 extending perpendicularly away from thelower surface 15 about the perimeter of the planar member 12. In thisway, a channel 29 is formed between the outer sidewall 28 and thesidewall 14, wherein the channel 29 is configured to receive the rim 17therein, such that the toilet splash guard 11 is securely affixedthereto. This further protects the exterior surface of the rim 17 fromcontact with contaminated water from the interior of the toilet bowl,such that the toilet splash guard 11 acts to shield an increased surfacearea of the toilet, thereby minimizing the frequency of requiredcleaning thereof. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer sidewall 28is flush with the perimeter of the planar member 12, however inalternate embodiments, the planar member 12 extends beyond the outersidewall 28 to provide increased structural integrity thereto.

Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown a perspective view of anembodiment of the toilet splash guard removably secured to a toilet. Inone exemplary use, the toilet splash guard is inserted into a bowl of atoilet, such that the sidewall 14 is removably secured therein and theplanar member 12 rests flush against an upper surface of the rim. Insome embodiments, a toilet seat 30 is configured to rest flush againstthe planar member 12, such that the splash guard is more readilycamouflaged thereby when in use. In this way, the user can hide the useof the toilet splash guard.

In the illustrated embodiment the toilet seat 30 is secured to thetoilet via fasteners 27, wherein the fasteners 27 extend through theplanar member 12 at the pair of notches 26. In this way, the toiletsplash guard is anchored thereby, while also conforming to thepositional restrictions imposed by the fasteners 27. Further shown inthe illustrated embodiment, the rear side 24 of the planar member 12comprises a linear arrangement, such that the rear side 24 is configuredto rest flush against a toilet tank 25. In this way, the splash guard isprevented from rotating within the toilet seat, as lateral movementthereof is prevented by the rear side 24 impacting the toilet tank 25.In this way, the user can be ensured that the splash guard will remainimmobile during use, even when outside forces are applied thereto, suchas during typical shifting or repositioning when a user is on thetoilet. Should the splash guard become soiled, the splash guard can thenbe easily removed from the toilet and cleaned, thereby minimizinguncomfortable positioning of the user during the cleaning operation.

It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown anddescribed in various embodiments. It is recognized, however, thatdepartures may be made within the scope of the invention and thatobvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. Withrespect to the above description then, it is to be realized that theoptimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, toinclude variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and mannerof operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obviousto one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to thoseillustrated in the drawings and described in the specification areintended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of theprinciples of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications andchanges will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is notdesired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operationshown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications andequivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of theinvention.

I claim:
 1. A toilet splash guard, comprising: a planar member having an aperture therethrough; a sidewall extending perpendicularly from a lower surface of the planar member about the aperture; wherein the lower surface is configured to rest flush against an upper surface of a rim of a toilet bowl; wherein the sidewall is configured to removably secure within an opening of the toilet bowl such that an outer surface of the sidewall rests flush against an inner surface of the rim.
 2. The toilet splash guard of claim 1, wherein an outer perimeter of the planar member is aligned with an outer perimeter of the rim when the sidewall is secured within the opening.
 3. The toilet splash guard of claim 1, wherein a diameter of the aperture is less than a diameter of the sidewall, such that a lip extends radially inwardly from the aperture.
 4. The toilet splash guard of claim 1, wherein a rear side of the planar member is linear.
 5. The toilet splash guard of claim 4, wherein the rear side is configured to rest flush against a toilet tank when the sidewall is secured within the opening.
 6. The toilet splash guard of claim 1, wherein the lower surface comprises a coefficient of friction greater than one.
 7. The toilet splash guard of claim 1, wherein a pair of notches are disposed within a rear side of the planar member, each of the pair of notches configured to receive a toilet seat fastener therein.
 8. The toilet splash guard of claim 1, further comprising an outer sidewall extending perpendicularly away from the lower surface along an outer perimeter of the planar member such that a channel is formed between the sidewall and the outer sidewall, the channel configured to receive the rim therein.
 9. The toilet splash guard of claim 1, wherein an upper surface of the planar member is configured to rest flush against a lower surface of a toilet seat when the toilet seat is in a lowered position.
 10. The toilet splash guard of claim 1, further comprising a break-away section disposed opposite a rear side of the planar member, wherein the break-away section is configured to be removed from the planar member to provide gap therein.
 11. The toilet splash guard of claim 10, wherein the break-away section is defined by lines of perforation through the planar member and the sidewall. 